Dan C.'s story challenges conventional wisdom about alcoholism and recovery. We often think of alcoholism/addiction as a young person's struggle, a disease that wrecks lives early and publicly. But what happens when a cunning, baffling, and powerful disease lies dormant for decades, only to combust when a seemingly successful life hits an unexpected turn? This is Dan C.'s powerful and eye-opening story. For more than 45 years, Dan lived what many would call a remarkable life. A highly respected criminal justice attorney, he built a prominent career, earned accolades, and navigated the world with confidence and control—or so it appeared. Alcohol was always present, but never, in his mind, the problem. Like so many of us, Dan believed he still had power over his drinking. He managed it, justified it, and folded it neatly into his version of a successful life. And for decades, that illusion held. Then, in his mid-60s, the illusion shattered. A convergence of pressures and losses created a storm he could no longer manage. The disease he had outmaneuvered—or thought he had—finally took center stage. What followed was a rapid descent into chaos, fear, and hopelessness, until Dan was brought—reluctantly but mercifully—into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. What you’ll hear in this interview is the moment Dan recognized the difference between his lifelong reliance on self and the simple, spiritual principles of AA’s Program of Recovery. Instead of turning away in pride, he leaned in. Fully. Dan attended meetings, got a sponsor, began working the Steps, and immersed himself in the Fellowship. What began as willingness grew into joy. Today, those connections remain a cornerstone of his three years of continuous sobriety. Some who got sober young may marvel at how long Dan avoided obvious consequences. But his story is a powerful reminder that alcoholism is patient, progressive, and no respecter of age, intellect, or success. It is a great equalizer. The stories shared on AA Recovery Interviews are more than personal reflections—they are lifelines. They carry a simple but vital message: recovery is possible at any stage of life and at any stage of the disease. I invite you to listen, learn, and be inspired by this extraordinary story of recovery and redemption with my friend and AA brother, Dan C. And if this episode resonates with you, please share it. Your share could be the spark that lights someone else’s path to sobriety. If you’ve enjoyed my AA Recovery Interviews series, have a listen to “Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism”. This is the word-for-word, cover-to-cover reading of the First Edition of the Big Book, published in 1939. It’s a comfortable, meaningful, and engaging way to listen to the Big Book anytime, anyplace. Have a free listen at Audible, i-Tunes, or Amazon. I also invite you to check out my latest audio book, Lost Stories of the Big Book, 30 Original Stories Missing from the 3rd and 4th Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s an engaging audiobook I narrated to bring these stories to life for AA members who’ve never seen them. These timeless testimonials were originally cut to make room for newer stories in the 3rd and 4th Editions. But their vitally important messages of hope are as meaningful today as when they were first published. Many listeners will hear these stories for the first time. Lost Stories of the Big Book is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s also available as a Kindle book and in Paperback from Amazon if you’d like to read along with the audio. [Disclaimer: AA Recovery Interviews podcast strictly adheres to AA’s 12 Traditions and all General Service Office guidelines for safe-guarding anonymity on-line. I pay all podcast production costs. AA Recovery Interviews and my guests do not speak for or represent AA at-large. This podcast is simply my way of giving back to AA that which has been so freely given to me. – Howard L.]
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Jan 31 202654 mins